Bluebird Wrestling History

The Mighty Bluebirds started their youth wrestling program in October of 2006.

The Bluebird wrestlers range in age from 7 to 13 years old and are already some of the most competitive wrestlers in the south. Bluebird wrestlers have already won numerous individual titles in Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Bluebirds wrestle in the off season on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. Off season practices run through October 25th. Starting October 25th in season practices begin and we typically will practice on Mondays, Wednesdays fromfrom 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. If you’re interested in joining the Bluebird wrestling team please e-mail Greg Hatcher at greg@hatcheragency.com. Also, don’t hesitate to check out the Arkansas Wrestling Academy website at www.arkwrestling.com.

Layne Hatcher becomes the first Bluebird to make the finals of Tulsa Nationals, Finishes 3rd in the Nation.

Layne Hatcher made the finals at the 8 & Under 75 pounds by winning his first four matches. In the finals he went up against a tough kid from Michigan and was pinned and then lost in overtime in the challenge match. His 3rd place finish at Tulsa Nationals made him an All-American in the nation’s toughest tournament. It is the highest finish ever at Tulsa Nationals by an Arkansas wrestler.

5 Bluebirds Named All-Americans

The Mighty Bluebirds had five Bluebirds named All-American after attending their first ever Brute Adidas National Tournament in Kansas City. Layne Hatcher led the way with a National Champion performance, Jackson Marchant finished 6th, Cole Cooper and Joshua Best finished 7th, and Joshua Ayliffe finished 8th for the Bluebirds all earning All-American status.

Layne Hatcher Wins 2nd National Title

Layne Hatcher who wrestled at 68 pounds in the 1st grade division became the first Bluebird to win a National Championship. Layne upset the first seed in the tournament, the State Champion from Kansas in the first round, then won another decision in the second round and in the finals he pinned his opponent in 25 seconds, which not only earned him the National Championship but being named the Outstanding Wrestler in the Tournament for the 1st Grade Division.

4-Time NCAA Champion Pat Smith to Coach the Bluebirds

4-Time NCAA Champion, Pat Smith has moved to Arkansas to start the Arkansas Wrestling Academy out at Mighty Bluebird Field. In addition to running the Arkansas Wrestling Academy, which is open to the entire state of Arkansas he will also help coach the Mighty Bluebird Wrestling Team. To say we are lucky to have him is an understatement.

Bruce Dickey who coached Coach Hatcher when he was in college at Alma College has joined the Mighty Bluebird Wrestling Staff after his move to Arkansas. Dickey coached Alma College to three straight Conference Championships and had Alma College ranked in the top 20 his last three years. Although Alma College was a Division III school they consistently wrestled Division I teams and held their own. He will be a great addition to the staff.